THE Barotse Royal Establishment has said President Rupiah Banda was appropriately dressed at this year’s Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony which took place on Saturday.
Kuomboka ceremony Lusaka organising committee chairperson Oliver Saasa said during a royal banquet hosted by the Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko at the winter palace in Limulunga yesterday that there was nothing surprising by the white beret President Banda wore during the ceremony.
President Banda was among the dignitaries who attended the banquet.
Professor Saasa said the hosts of the Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony were happy with what the president and First Lady, Thandiwe wore.
He said the president as the guest of honour at the event was under no obligation to wear a Liziba (traditional suit) or any kind of attire, including the red beret.
Prof Saasa said a guest of honour at the Kuomboka could come dressed in any attire they felt comfortable with.
“What was written in The Post newspapers that people were surprised when the president wore a white beret has nothing to do with the Barotse Royal Establishment. We are happy with the whole attire the president wore,” Prof Saasa said.
He explained that the red beret was not official attire of the Kuomboka as it was fashion that started with Litunga Mulambwa and was associated with the paddlers of the royal barge.
The red beret became popular after that time and people attending the ceremony adopted it as part of their attire.
Prof Saasa said this year’s Kuomboka went well and that it was good that the president accepted to grace it.
And Litunga Imwiko thanked Mr Banda for gracing the event and for attending the banquet.
He thanked all the chiefs from other parts of the country who witnessed this year’s Kuomboka ceremony.
Litunga Imwiko said Kuombaka was a national event that unified the country and was important for the preservation of culture.
He said the fact that a lot of people from all parts of Zambia attended the ceremony was a sign that it did not just belong to the people of Western Province but to the whole country.
Yesterday’s edition of The Post said President Banda surprised people when he arrived at Mongu Airstrip dressed in a white beret instead of the usual red beret.
And President Banda has disclosed that Government has initiated projects aimed at improving the health services in Western Province worth K27 billion.
Projects worth K4 billion have already started and 40 others aimed at poverty reduction were yet to start.
This is according to a report monitored on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation television news last evening.
Meanwhile, President Banda arrived in Lusaka around 18:30 hours and was met at Lusaka International Airport by several Cabinet ministers and Government officials.
[Times of Zambia]
this shows how stupid the post has become just like Sata is saying about Power getting to RB’s head the same applies to The Post and Fred Membe, surely press freedom has got to the Post and Membe’s big heads. SHAME ON YOU THE POST IN TRYING TO BRING CONFLICT OVER A SIMPLE ATIRE
I am not an RB fun but I must say, he looks good in that ittire than in his usual buggy suits. If I were him, I would make such an outfit a trade mark. Just like Gaddafi with his rob, KK with his hanky, Kamuzu with his animal tail…just to mention a few
:)>-
This is good, that’s why I have respect for amaLozi because they are proud of their own heritage and country. They remain the only Zambian language that is clearly South African (southern Sotho or Tswana) and yet I did not hear them inviting Ian Seretse Khama of Botswana or Letsie III of Lesotho to so called come and grace the Kuomboka but instead asked Banda to do so. Every Ncwala ceremony, you should see how frantic Mpezeni gets inviting Jacob Zuma, King Zwelithini and Buthelezi and only because the fool thinks he is Zulu. We must learn to be proud of who we are and this Litunga chap is leading the way.
RB has the fear of the unknown.Lets face it, the guy had a red beret to wear until he realized that it would be associated with the red card campaign. I dont expect the Kuomboka committee to explain it that way.I guess Fred had people in the presidential plane who gave him that info
Sum Guy, ha ha ha! You are absolutely right, Kansundila turned down a red one fearing this would be seen as lending credence to Father Bwalya’s red card campaign.
Its unfortunate that THE POST is all out to publish unfounded stories. Guess Prof. Saasa clarified the minial understanding by THE POST on the Kuomboka ceremony attire. We need investigative reporting from our media houses.
It is okay after all RB is not lozi even if he puts on a white beret.Im proud of my lozi tribe and the kuomboka was jus one of he best
LT post some pictures on the Koumboka please…
RB is very much scared of red card campaign such that, he doesn’t want anything associated with red. Whatever, Prof explanation, its well known fact that you have to wear red Barret. MMD have also launched white card, hence RB putting on white one
LT, is this news??????:-?
Fr Frank Bwalya=d>=d>=d>=d>=d>=d>=d>=d> Someone is getting the messege
Imwe sure ba RB looked nice in that attire ,please lets stop politising evrything i think that dress code was okay for Kuomboka,LT please put pix for kuomboka we want to see more of it .
#4
sum guy- YOU HAVE SUMMED IT ALL. AM SURE THERE WILL BE NO RED SHIRTS, BAMBAS ETC AMONG MMD MEMBERS. JUST OBSERVE. EVEN MULONGOTI WHOSE FAVORITE COLOR IS RED IS BECOME RED SHY.
It is extremely unusual for the guest of honor to not wear a red beret. I was quite shocked that the man wore a white one. If he was uncomfortable with the whole, attire, he shouldn’t have worn a traditional outfit. It all comes down to the red card campaign. RB is afraid of his own shadow. Surely, what was wrong with a red hat?
So even the red beret has no meaning at all. so what is more traditional, the kilt? this is nothing but a british borrowed design. The uniform the litunga wears does not at all represent any african culture, we never had such dresses for kings and more over that is a uniform for palace guards at Buckingham palace. so does it mean lozi’s are still under colonial rule? lets define what is a zambian dress or design so we can be proud of ourselves. we seem to be the only country in the region without a clear cut dress code.
Yeah, white did look odd in a river of red…:-?
The Post and Sodomists are shallow minded they think that the Red whatever campaign will take them anywhere, you are just day dreaming what happened to Tai, is far from anywhere here……………….. we know Post Boss and Fatherless Bwalya have something in common, sick mind
is this what passes for news in Zed these days pliz. man wears hat
WHAT IS NEWS???
The Post is finished just look at the columnists all the good writers have stopped. Laura Miti, Syiamuntanyi, Kalaliki, and at one stage we had Caroline Mwanza, they all hang up. All we have now are very cheap chaps who think they are columnists who write mediocre plagiarised stuff.
So the POST headline yesterday was a reflection of their IGNORANCE about Lozi culture and their hatred for RB.
Someone tell why didnt Sata the EX convict attend the Kuomboba. He instead sent a lenje with a lozi sir name to represent him bros Given lubinda. Frank Bwalya has no place in Barotseland, remember the radio liseli scandal. Thank God for the Moungu kalabo and kalabo-luanda roads and sinanga sisheke road.
awe there is nothing special about the alabee kilt, we know that its actually the highlanders from scottland who introduced that attire it was,nt until recently that they introduced it to queen victoria and prince albert after mordenising it and later introducing it to the balozi royal establishment in the late 18 th centuary
WE HAVE TRADITIONAL WEAR, ONLY IT INVOLVES WALKING AROUND WITH SKIMPY CLOTHING AND ANIMAL HIDES, BUT CAN THE WORLD HANDLE IT, WHEN WOMEN WEAR SHORT SKIRTS OOOOOHHH WE SET UP FORUMS, JUST IMAGINE IF WE ALL WORE ANIMAL HIDES FOR SKIRTS AND BEADS FOR TOPS??TOTAL FRENZY
Number 15. That is what is wrong with the nation. A little information and we are all experts. The attire was a navy admirals attire. When u get a zambian name or pseudonym then we can discuss zambian attires. The lozi culture is rich and vibrant just appreciate that instead of nit picking.Let us not criticize for the sake of criticizing. Tradition evolves, and when it does some things are left behind and other things are incorporated. No room for stagnancy otherwise u become extinct. Cwale now, Zwaaa!!
red card message penetrating
Yes RB looked nice in his attire. Thank God it was in Baloziland where Order is respected.I salute all the people from kwahaye.
Ba #22, you tribal hate much in your life? A lenje with a lozi what? Are you sharpening the machetes…?
“What was written in The Post newspapers that people were surprised when the president wore a white beret has nothing to do with the Barotse Royal Establishment. We are happy with the whole attire the president wore,” Prof Saasa said.
The article said people were surprised, it did not say the Barotse Royal Establishment was surprised, or disappointed, or whatever. So it might still be true that people were in fact surprised. I for one was surprised seeing the pictures, and I thought, well, the red card campaign is getting the better of him. He is beginning to react to anything red.
But then it’s also true that he did not have to wear red. And of course this a “Times of Zambia” story, what can we expect?
Professor, contradictions…contradictions…The MMD reigns. The red beret is not the official headgear for the Kuomboka Ceremony? It became popular during Mulambwa Santulu’s days? In one bbreath, you’re saying it IS the official headgear, and in another, a political one, it’s not. I’ve never seen the white beret at the Kuomboka, especially one worn by a state official.
# 29, what good analysis, bro/sis!
#17
Wamutu-You call Sata illitrate but your language is below that. No matter how much you insult people, you will never change our minds MMD is gone…..start packing.
# 22, we need to talk about these issues, yes, yes and yes.
Red card, what is that? It might have been something if it made sense and if the leader was not the disgraced walya. Anyway, who doesn’t know this “lost fox” (yes, not lost sheep)? Have you guys run short of ideas and leaders?
Red cardie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is just the attire for the Lozi and it doesnt mean lozis wear the red whatever in order to be against anything. RB you looked great
We are short of news in this country. the post have a business so they write sensationalist stories ti make sales. However what they published was probably true, some pipo were bound to be surprised but so what. As for all those linking this to the red card, that is real unfounded speculation. Probably a fabrication of idle or very creative minds. Some of you bloggers should consider a career in creative writing.
Yes, we where very much suprised because last time RB came to Western power for kuomboka he was wearing a red beret, but this time 2010 kuomboka he was wearing a white beret, unless his people on the plane changed his beret otherwise he should have gone red head as well at the ceremony too or we say he’s colour blind? or he’s on a white campaign?
He looked different despite not our really lozi culture of going white on the head during kuomboka, Viva Western power, Viva pact 2010
Hey Blogers, Find a Google search spot provided on the right side of the page. On this, you can still comment on a past article by typing in a few words and this should bring it up for you.
learn to comment with evidence dont just comment like someone at a mental institution. All that attire is pure lozi from the design the idea’s to the color scheme and Symbolism its all Lozi
Tailored in England and Switzerland to the Litungas.
u are not affilliated with the Barotse Stop mourning about what its does
Long live the Barotse King and his uniform…Mulena Wa Malena! Yo muhulu. We’re proud of it. If you’re not, that’s OK, too, but you’re one in a million. Only, this is a new design. I prefer the long overcoats.
Hangandu says:
RB is very much scared of red card campaign such that, he doesn’t want anything associated with red. Whatever, Prof explanation, its well known fact that you have to wear red Barret. MMD have also launched white card, hence RB putting on white one
Yes Hangandu what you have said is the only reason which makes sense. RB was advised not to wear red beret because he is against the red campaign hence the white beret. Last year he was in red beret when there was no campaign, please it is common knowledge.
The post is mindful of the fact that RB can not wear red beret hence the story to sell the paper.
SABA NJAR
Long live the Barotse King and his uniform…Mulena Wa Malena! Yo muhulu
SABA NJAR The only Mulena Wamalena is King Jesus the King of Kings and the Lord of lords. Litunga is that a king here on earth.
Am surprised no-one has said that the Barotse Royal Establishment has been given brown envelopes to defend RB.:-?
Hey # 43 Village concept and any one else who cares, Knock it off; Stop rubbing this Jesus-lord thing. The guy was a mere mortal, not lord. I challenge you to do the following: Click on the HOME page above. To your right, you will see the search area. And on it type and search for the articles,(1) Sub-Saharan Africa most religious place on earth and (2) My Kingdom is not of this world: Jesus in Zambian politics this easter. Here, you will find some bloggers who posted some very good compelling research work on religion; witch will undoubtedly open up your eyes to the true perspective on religion. It is crap. I did a little bit of research too… and guess what… Holly cow!!! We have been deceived all this time. The truth is there for all to read. My thanks to the internet. No more…
No more hidden secrets. Knowledge is power, Ignorance is not bliss. Sorry ppl, to digress from the article but somebody caused this and you know who should d be held liable
#45&46: Your newfound knowldge is intolerable to minds that have been baptized in fear – fear of death to be specific. For the alternative to them is principleless life deined by wickedness. In their minds, only the enigmatic Yesu is the answer, when in fact everything they need is expertly compacted in them by natural processes. We have a little to go yet.
#22, your pasting above is laced with stinking tribal bigotry that must be a source of chronic nausea to the good lord god almighty resident in the high heavens above. What did Bo Lubinda ever do to you to describe him in such a deregatory manner? In case you are not aware, galu ya chiwewe iwe, is that many people in this country hail from different provinces. Look at Aka, with all his royal blood is actually half Lenje. Fred M’Membe, nephew of Chief Nkula, is actually half Nyengo. All the kids of Mwana wa kwitu “Old Chap” General Tembo are actually half Tonga. We are all Zambians and to describe Lubinda in such a manner is unacceptable.
In my own personnal opion i strongly free it was not right for the president to put on a whitr barret.He must have put on a red barret like before ,Just to look like any other LOZI who was there including the KAONGOLO KA NYAMBE ,THE LITUNGA of Barotseland Lobosi Imwiko II.The red barret is traditional wear of the LOZI poeple and thats why even Prof Him self was in a red barret.Otherwise the ceremony its self was well organised and very interest.Many thank to Professor for the job well done as chairman.Keep it up.Muyoyange bana ba Poho yensu.Ishaaa.
Mwana wa poho hencha. UYOYEEEE:d/
Some people have foolish hatred for The Post and Fred. Look, RB emerged from his plane wearing that white beret, and not a red one as expected by many. Why didn’t he wear a suit if he wanted to be different from the rest? The majority wore that Lozi attire (dress and red cap). The Post merely reported that he wore a white beret which everyone who cared to check saw. Even his son, he gave him a white beret, is that mere coincidence? It was calculated, they didn’t want anything red. If his place was red, he would have had it painted white. Post not trying to create a storm out of a tea cup. merely informed people what happened. If the red card was not there he would have adorned a red beret. Now you should not be surprised he might change the red carpet to white. It’s RB. RED CARD!
Let us not run away from the truth about the red barret. If it is not tradition then why cant the litunga also wear a white one. People are so cheap because of envelops. When something is wrong, say it out u dont lose anything.
#52 . You are right. It was the only white barret. I for one would feel out place!
Can anyone tell me the origins of that uniform and hat the Litunga has on in this photo. I did a research and found that Chief Kazembe’s head gear (helmet) actually belonged to the then French fire department.
That uniform presented to him by King George VII of England in 1902. The story has it that when the British came to Africa they where supprized to see how civillized and cultured the Barotse was compared to other tribal clans. hence that uniform was given as their ambassadors at the time and Edward presented the outfit as a gift to the Litunga and its people.
# 54
u cant compare The Litunga with Mwatakazembe that’s different Litunga is a King of the Barotse so is mwatakazembe a king of the Barotseland?. i’ve no idea where the heck mwatakazembe got that obscure dish-like fire fighter’s helmet? u of possed that question amoung Bemba’s
The story about the Litunga’s uniform goes like this. The Ndebeles used to steal cattle from Lozis. So when the British came they promised the Litunga a submarine to be put in Zambezi river 2 fight off Ndebele raids. They gave him the navy uniform but never brought the submarine. He wears it evry year 2 remind the Britons that he needs his submarine
If it was Sata wearing white- you should have heard- now it is RB- what are you guys have to say? We have known Lozi people to dress with some red colour during this time- why did RB, got scared of RED- HE KNOWS-
It is true that death is beyond grief and comprehension and just the thought of it sends spider`s webs’ of fear along the spine, hence people finding solace in the bible and yet it is true that death is just a natural phenomenon which we should accept and not fear. Suffice to mention too that genetic programming in our cells (biological time clock), causes chemical processes that lead to aging (Skin wrinkles, hair loses its color, the body becomes fragile, and eventually the body’s internal systems begin to fail), and the end result is to expire, back to nothingness like it was before. By the way,food and oxygen are a double edged swords; while they nourish our bodies, ironically they produce by products that cause aging such as free radicals( complex processes)
# 47 Punji-It is true that death is beyond grief and comprehension and just the thought of it sends spider`s webs’ of fear along the spine, hence people finding solace in the bible and yet it is true that death is just a natural phenomenon which we should accept and not fear. Suffice to mention too that genetic programming in our cells (biological time clock), causes chemical processes that lead to aging (Skin wrinkles, hair loses its color, the body becomes fragile, and eventually the body’s internal systems begin to fail), and the end result is to expire, back to nothingness like it was before. By the way,food and oxygen are a double edged swords; while they nourish our bodies, ironically they produce by products that cause aging such as free radicals( complex processes)
NO; 15 I totally agree with you. In as much as i respect the Lozi culture and the ceremony, that british uniform does not represent our traditional orign. The Lozi culture in dressing is originally of the Ngunis , leopard skins with a necklacle made of lion teeth or pocupine. However, the attire is of economic enticement. British tourists come specifically for that attire, bcos they celebrate the autonomy of Sir King George in Africa while they forget they are contributing to the tourism revenue when they leave their Euros. Forget about the attire. Get the Euros.
That uniform. Colonialization still existing ka. Please find something traditional.
#54/55. Thanks for answering my question about the Litunga. No, I was not comparing the Litunga with Kazembe. By the way, Kazembe is not bemba, so I don’t understand why your bring the bemba in this. #57 thanks for your input.**==
For me, to be insensitive to your neighbours culture is naivety. Better stay away then. Anyways, we all know that the politics of Zambia are about trivial things and not real development. Perhaps as Zambians we are as trivial as our politicians and hence the take over of the country by foreign investors. Zambians are just busy yapping and eating nshima, and having illicit sex. What a waste.
The Post should not politicize even clothes put on by specific people just to bring about division and chaos to the zambian people. Freedom of Expression should not be taken so lightly to an extent of seeing people quarrel. The post may have differed with RB at one time of the other but that should not label him for life even when he is right. RB had to put on that attire for security reasons if that is what the post wanted. Let not the post missuse their rights for that may land them into deep trouble one day.
The post just reported what they saw .I was there and the president errored in putting a red barret.The white barrate had no mean to LOZI’s Kuomboka ceremony.The past presidents have been caming in suits other in the lozi siziba gear with a red barrate just like he did last time.So please next time let him came in a red barrate as that hase a mean to the LOZI wear.Of course he need to support us and respect us with our red barret.
For the post they haven’t done any thing wrong by report to the nation and the world at large.They just reported what they saw.Thats it and there is no politics behind that.
In the past who ever was found in a different coloured barret was give a shamboko made out of the hippo skin.LOZI know that.Its realy not in order to put on different coulored…
The uniform is an anachronism ………..